Welch Street Bridge improvements
Update: April 27, 2022
Following the recent opening of the new multi-use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists on the Welch Street Bridge, Park Royal is now planning a full closure to vehicle traffic for three to four months.
The full closure will begin on Friday, May 6 an will be in effect until the end of August. A full closure is necessary to safely complete necessary repairs to the bridge deck.
The Spirit Trail multi-use path will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists during the work.
Once the bridge deck repairs are complete, the bridge will be open to single-lane alternating vehicle traffic for the second phase of resurfacing work. The second phase is expected to take three months to complete. At this time, the full bridge re-opening to two lanes of vehicle traffic is expected in November 2022.
As a privately-owned amenity, these bridge deck repairs are being completed and funded by Park Royal.
Background
As part of the work, a new multi-use path with separation from vehicle traffic was constructed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and people who use wheelchairs. The improvements include new lighting and reconfiguration to the east and west intersection approaches to the bridge to include additional lanes and improvements to the pedestrian and bike crossings, and updated stairway access to the Capilano River for use by Squamish Nation members.
The bridge is on Squamish Nation land and spans the Capilano River, connecting Park Royal Shopping Centre with Bridge Road. It was constructed in the 1970s and, in recent years, is being used by significantly more pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to vehicle traffic. The route connects North Vancouver and the Squamish Nation to Ambleside and the rest of the North Shore Spirit Trail.
Along with Squamish Nation Council’s leadership and approval, the improvements enhance West Vancouver Council’s Strategic Goal to improve mobility and reduce congestion by diversifying, expanding, and improving the safety and appeal of active transportation, such as cycling and walking.
The work was done as a partnership between Park Royal, the District of West Vancouver, and the Squamish Nation. It was completed and funded by Park Royal, supported by a financial contribution from the District of West Vancouver for the new multi-use path and active transportation improvements.